world of men's style / fashion / grooming

An UrbanDaddy Publication

Manolo Blahnik's name is of course familiar to shoe fetishists and *Sex & the City* slatterns. Quite apart from that however he is also one of the world's best-dressed men. The dapper designer has both the panache and gravitas to pull off the old school double-breasted suit and bowtie look in a way that few men really can. Note that he does not look remotely silly even when clutching a satin stiletto (he's about to sign it for some Bergdorf Blondes, not try it on).

Note also the ticket pocket and turned-back cuffs on the jacket which fairly shout “bespoke”; the jacquard bowtie of perfect proportion, disheveled just enough so that there can be no question of its being one of those horrific pre-tied affairs; the natty tortoiseshell specs; and the bodacious boutonniere, a nice Wildean touch. Whether he chose the suit to match the shoe we wouldn't venture to say.

The line between men’s and women’s dress shoes has traditionally been more of a moat. You cross it at your own peril. Of course, Manolo Blahnik has been feeling bulletproof lately, so he’s trying a jump or two.